The City of Chicago and Race Organizers Prepare for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon set for Sunday, October 13

CHICAGO - City of Chicago officials and Bank of America Chicago Marathon organizers are reminding the public about the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 13, with 50K runners from all 50 states and more than 140 countries are expected to travel through 29 neighborhoods for the 26.2-mile race, requiring street closures and parking restrictions throughout the Chicago Marathon Street Closures and Course. Plans are in place for a safe and successful Chicago Marathon weekend, which includes the Chicago 5K on Saturday, October 12. Residents, spectators, participants, and motorists are urged to be mindful of the traffic impacts as well as safety measures in place for these events.

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications along with city and private sector partners, will monitor the day's events, activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in order to coordinate resources as needed.

"OEMC, alongside the City's public safety departments and other key City stakeholders, have been working with race organizers to prepare for this year's Marathon," said Jose Tirado, Executive Director of OEMC. "Safety is our number one priority for race participants, residents, and visitors. We want to remind the public to report any suspicious or criminal activity they may see by calling 9-1-1."

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon's national and international reputation as a world class event has helped to raise millions of dollars for various charitable causes. Since 2002, the Marathon has raised $322 million for charity and last years event had an economic impact of $547 million.

"We're thrilled to welcome participants and Chicagoans this weekend for the 46th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon," said Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director. "No event in Chicago brings people, neighborhoods, businesses, public safety, and government agencies together more than the Chicago Marathon. We're excited to celebrate our city and our sport on the streets of Chicago this weekend."

The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon includes the Abbott Health and Fitness Expo, home to the event's packet pick-up beginning on Thursday, October 10 through Saturday, October 12 located at Chicago's McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Hall D from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Abbott Chicago 5K - Saturday, October 12

The Abbott Chicago 5K will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. The 3.1-mile race will kick off in Grant Park at Ida B. Wells and Columbus Drive, running west on Harrison Street before weaving through loop on Wacker Drive and ending on Jackson and Wacker. Michigan Avenue north of Ida B. Wells will remain open. Parking restrictions are in place starting at 1 a.m. on Saturday along the course. Vehicles that are not removed from the street by that time will be ticketed and towed. For inquiries about towed vehicles, call 312.744.4444.

For more information visit Chicago5K.com. The following streets will be closed to traffic between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. for the 5K on Saturday.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon Race Day Information for Participants

As race day approaches, event organizers strongly encourage participants to stay informed of race day conditions and be familiar with event rules and the color-coded Event Alert System (EAS), which will communicate the status of course and weather conditions to participants leading up to and on race day found here. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park. The first wave of runners will begin the race at 7:30 a.m. The second wave will begin at 8 a.m. The final group will begin at 8:35 a.m. The location for the Runner Reunite section will be staged in Butler Field with alphabetical signs throughout the 27th Mile Post Race Party to facilitate meeting locations by name.

Traffic Impacts/Street Closures

With thousands of participants and spectators along the route, as well as street closures prior and during the race, those traveling throughout downtown and the various neighborhoods should allow extra time, expect delays, or consider alternate routes-such as the expressway system-to avoid the impacts of the race.

Street closures in the Grant Park area began on Monday, September 30 with the closure of Balbo from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 10 a.m. Additional Street closures for race day at the start/finish line area can be expected through the weekend, including:

Race day street closures along the route will begin at approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 13 and are anticipated to be reopened by 4:30 p.m. or when it is deemed safe to do so. Visit link for Chicago Marathon street closures and route.

Beginning early Sunday morning, parking restrictions will be in effect along the course. For public safety and traffic flow, the towing of vehicles along the route and other posted "No Parking Zones" will be strictly enforced. Motorists are encouraged to read signage before parking and should call 312-744-4444 to locate a towed vehicle.

The following main thoroughfares, among others, will remain open:

Public Transportation

As always, public transportation is encouraged if heading to the Marathon or other destinations in the impacted areas. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit TransitChicago.com or call 836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-CTA. Metra will offer extra service on race day. For specific schedule information, visit Metra.com. The City has worked with licensed Transportation Network Providers (TNP rideshare services) to ensure that pick-up and drop-off locations are available throughout the city, in geo-fenced areas that are a safe distance off the route.

Security Measures

Safety is always a primary concern and several security measures and restrictions that have been in place for several years will be strictly enforced. Participants will be required to show an ID to obtain race packets at the Abbott Health and Fitness Expo prior to Sunday and must use race-issued clear bags to store their personal belongings during the race. Runners must enter the race staging area at one of the seven designated gateways in Grant Park through security checkpoints at Michigan Avenue near Congress Drive, Jackson Drive, Van Buren Street, Congress Boulevard, and Harrison Street. Grant Park Site Map

Race organizers expect more than 1 million spectators to line city streets along the Marathon route. Chicago Police will be deploying uniformed and plainclothes officers as well as implementing other safety measures to ensure the event's safety. Officers will also conduct random bag checks of spectators carrying backpacks or large bags. As in previous years, runners will not be allowed to leave unattended bags or clothing items within Grant Park or along the route. If officers or race officials see an unattended bag along the route, it will be collected and discarded.

Only participants displaying their event-issued bib numbers, credentialed event staff and ticketed guests (where applicable) will have access to the race start and finish areas within Grant Park. Spectators should be aware that they will not have access to these areas. Only registered runners are allowed to participate in the Marathon. Non-registered runners joining the race at any point throughout the route or finish line is prohibited and will be strictly enforced.

For more information, including race-day restrictions and policies, visit the Marathon website at ChicagoMarathon.com

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a TFR for the airspace within a 2 nautical miles (2NM) radius of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and Grant Park on Sunday, October 13, 2024. The TFR will be in place from 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Unauthorized drones, unmanned aircraft systems, and manned aircraft will be prohibited to fly within the TFR without an approved FAA Waiver. Individuals who fail to adhere to the TFR could face detainment/fines by law enforcement and/or FAA personnel.

The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) advises residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, and increased traffic in the area.

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something™ OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity - especially in large gatherings. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

Citywide deployments for the weekend are planned in order to ensure the safety and security of the public. The OEMC will monitor events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources as needed., OEMC, Chicago Police Department and city departments collaborate to share communications regularly through daily coordination calls that allows for enhanced citywide coordination and activation of safety plans.

Chicago OEMC App - Know Before You Go

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and festival goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Weather and Public Safety: OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download a weather app.

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

Grant Park and Lakefront Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, residents and visitors are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the light poles throughout the Grant Park area and along the lakefront. The green signs with white letters and numbers are also located from 5700 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 6600 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and on the lakefront from Oak Street to Fullerton and Montrose to Foster Avenue to help residents reference their location within the park to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency and you call 9-1-1.

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).